Horror Takes Another Stab

Posted by Tara Settembre (tara@filmschoolrejects.com) on April 12, 2006

During the 80’s and Cold War times Hollywood turned to super macho action films like Die Hard, Rambo, Predator, The Terminator etc. in order to feel safe and reinforce the idea that America is secure and can kick communism despite current political turmoil. In the end, Rocky did beat the Russian and Arnold Schwarzenegger was able to represent American strength – despite the foreign accent. The 90’s then saw a switch to the more sensitive man, but that’s for another film theory discussion. It seems the current Iraq War and uncertain times are causing viewers and younger generations to turn to horror films for escapism this time around. Since last fall, seven horror movies have topped the box office. The terror in these films too are more obscure and unknown, much like modern terrorism and even our own governmental policies; yet a few harassed kids end up surviving at the end, phew.

Hostel, a film that starred no one famous, made nearly $50 million and a sequel is already in the works; and why not, especially after Saw II made $87 million and part three arrives just in time for Halloween. Granted, Horror has always been popular but as a recent Newsweek article points out, its not the same hokey violence that was seen in Scream, Friday the 13th or Nightmare on Elm Street; it is much more gruesome and gory. It’s even being considered torture porn, by some critics.

Here are some snippets from the Newsweek article to consider when thinking about the recent resurgence in Horror flicks and the increase in blood:

Maybe it’s pure coincidence that “Hostel” became a hit after two years of headlines about Abu Ghraib and the rise of anti-Americanism in Europe. Sixty-five percent of the audience for “Hostel” was younger than 25, which is par for the genre. “I don’t think it’s an accident that it’s always average kids who come to these movies,” Wes Craven says. “They’re wondering, ‘Just how violent is this adult world?’ Because we’re living in a horror show. The post-9/11 period, all politics aside, has been extremely difficult for the average American. We all know what’s floating around out there. That’s big stuff, and it comes out in a million ways, from people drinking a bit more to kids going to hardcore movies.”

To read the complete article go to: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/12015261/site/newsweek/

I leave it up to you. Is there a connection here, or is it pure coincidence that these extremely violent films are coming out at this time? Are they harmless fun, or are they “torture porn?”

Tags: Opinion, War, Iraq, Politics, Horror, Hollywood, Film

Read more articles by Tara Settembre